[SHORT REVIEWS] #26

NOVELS

CHINESE

Not much catch since I have no new stuff. I wait for the completion of 无间 by 二月竹

I already mentioned this book once. Author previously wrote Backtracking I once reviewed and liked a lot (it was about a boy who was murdered on a graduation trip, but actually survived and returned 10 years later for revenge). The new story is about investigation as well, since the main character Shen Qiao is connected to recently dead young people and the ML is investigating into it. I've been waiting for its' completion.

Next one is the very new article 人， 撸了毛得负责哦 by 挠时光, previously author wrote "Abnormal relationship" I also reviewed (about two men from prominent families who accidentally slept and realized they're compatible in bed, but they always were like enemies in life). The new story is about a young man Ou XiaoJiang who inherited a house which is claimed to be haunted, but the young man's side hustle is haunting ghosts. ML is a demon king whose lair was in this house. The synopsis has a light-hearted and humorous tone, maybe the story will be the same. After all the previous book also was like this. *new = basically only started publication on JJ.

Next very new one should be 天降老公[娱乐圈] by 沙舟踏翠

I previously reviewed this author too. Forgot the title I used, since it was obviously changed, the current title is 软饭硬吃[重生] (I think previous was connected to white rice or smth, the play on a saying since the main character was reborn and basically lived off his newly acquired husband, having a pretty fulfilling life). This new article is about main character Chen Yuxi, who is unknown celebrity, young guy who sells his music and is suddenly invited to a star-studded program, which catapults him into stardom.

No covers because they're all default and pointless.

The rest is only two that I keep by my side. Because they're spooky. Yes, I still read Welcome to Nightmare Live, I make a big pause while reading, but the story is so good it's impossible to forget what it's about. And the second has been waiting for me for some time, since it's also spooky 玄学大佬是罪仙 which I mentioned before. But again, when you're not into mood for spooky you can only let it wait. But I know that unlike other books I mentioned this one I really want to read.

US

Time for some detective stuff.

A Murder in Mayfair by Magda Alexander.

This one wasn't bad. I had my issues with it, but it's not entirely bad.

My pet peeve is how this is also written from 1st person POV, at least we have few POVs instead of just being in the FMC's head all the time. Mikaela (FMC) gets involved in the murder of her cousin's husband, since she can't let the scandal swipe the poor woman. Although I had my issues exactly with how fervent Mikaela described her own feelings, while I was thinking you have total nine kids at home, including yourself and your brother who inherited the title, but you are responsible for all of them. Are you sure? Anyway, comparing this to others this wasn't half bad. Pretty short, easy to read.

Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna

Or Stella and Lyndy Mystery, Book 1.

I admit I was brought in by the cover. It looked "different". Who knew there's quite a number of similar ones. But I digress.

I decided to put it down at the beginning. Maybe the mystery is worth it, but I checked reviews after being buffled by the characters and it did not improve my impression.

Stella is an American heiress from Kentucky, she is taken with her father to visit England without knowing that her father arranged her marriage to a lord. She is against it, her father is a douch who can raise his hand against his daughter.

Lyndy, or Lyndhurst did not mak the picture better, because of how he thought about Stella from the beginning, he wasn't even thinking about her. He was thinking about thoroughbred horses he will get in this deal. Like it's the most important thing. Others mentioned that he is also in the same situation as Stella, being part of the deal, no he's not. Just listen to his thoughts on horses and you won't feel like he got the shorter end of the stick. Not to mention he is a man.

When he notices Stella's beauty he also feels about her like if he won a prize - oh my future wife isn't half bad. Which is also not good.

Honestly, they are young, I'll give them that. But he especially reads as absolutely not mature young man. He still needs to wipe milk around his mouth tbh.

Also everyone around Stella is either snarky or snobbish. I mean even if the American guy comes with money. Makes me think, Americans are considered rude around the world now, but back then, they simply didn't know the etiquette "rules" of Englishmen. So how rude is that?

Anyway, Lyndy spoiled it all for me  completely, since we know he's going to be the main part. I know I didn't read much, but I just sat and thought - why should I continue then? The writing is a bit all over, Stella is the only good character, Lyndy's thoughts made me think the worst of him, all character are bad.

Honestly the beginning read as if I'm reading some melodramatic historical romance, not mystery haha

Oh the mystery is about who got poor vicar who was there to wed Stella and Lyndy. Honestly, if I were them I'd say bad luck.

The Ties that Divide by Sandra and Taylor Preisler

Or Q&Z Regency Mysteries.

'Q' stands for Quinton, he is a hired investigator and 'Z' stands for Zoe, she wants to know the truth about the death of her maid.

Zoe lives in a reconstructed family I'd call it. She and her mother escaped France, while her father couldn't make it. Around when she was 9 her mother met her current husband. They live comfrotably and Zoe from time to time has a bit of a fit, she's a young talented artist who also has a bit of identity crisis due to her origins. But she had no idea the next time she hears from her maid is that the poor young woman will be dead. Zoe feels there is something wrong here and decides to hire a help. This is the premise of it all.

Good thing it's written normally. Also the flow is nice so far, I just tried out the beginning and you know when it's "comfortable" to read. 

A Whisper and a Curse by Darcy Burke

Raven and Wren, Book 3.

I know I said I might put this series for good, but I might give it another try. I don't knwo why. I already said they got to me in the last one when they continuously complemented each other how good they are etc. But in general the books moved at a very slow pace and lacked thrill.

Ngl I like the color schemes of these covers, they make the series stand out among others.

The Body in the Garden by Katharine Shellman

Lily Adler Mystery. Book 1

I can also say a word or two about this one, because I opened it and was surprised that authors wants to make their FMC sound as if she was Sherlock Holmes. Find it ironic since her last name is Adler.

Lily, our FMC, is returning to life by coming to the city. She is still grieving after the loss of her husband whom she really loved.

In the first scenes she kinda sounds a bit smug too, the way she explains how she guessed and it really sounds like Sherlock version. Everyone is impressed. It kinda put me off a bit and I decided I'll put it down and come back when I'm ready for this type of stuff.

But the mystery is about how she decides to investigate the case that is obviously buried by paying off the police, so the police won't investigate further.

Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Or The Seasons of Carnage. Book 1

Comes from the author of infamous Butcher & Backbird. Which I never read, but I kinda want to try this book. You know when you're intrigued by something. It's better to scratch that itch.

Well, because I never read dark romance.

WEBTOONS
MANHWA

On your knees, Your Highness!

This one is HYSTERICAL. At least it is drawn as a full-blown comedy, even if some undertone is a bit serious.

It's just a walking meme. I have no idea why I like reading this type of stuff, when things have a lot of meme material. But in general it's a pretty nice story. Not very new in the concept, but the story itself is okay. Sudden arranged marriage to shield the Duke from the King / Emperor who is this irksome old dude. But I really like the FMC, she is strong and collected and does not have some fits, it's satisfying seeing her going into dark and oppressive mode. EVen the Duke is on the receiving end of it all.

It's based on a novel, but I find manhwa works better for me. Still ongoing of course.

OTHER MENTIONS: 

- I Never Abandoned the Tyrant (holy shit this is the weak type of FMC) The story is nothing spectacular, but honestly FMC stroke me as this weak poor fragile entity that is afraid of anything. Skipping on it.

- Enemies meet at the engagement ceremony. Interesting premise where characters do have a reason to hate on each other. At least doesn't treat enemies-to-lovers trope as some promotion stunt. Also the art is pretty.

- Stepmother's Märchen. What is it with characters drawn with their hair let down when other don't do it. I feel like every time it's a European ambience etc. but FMCs always let their hair down. It looks weird because others do not do the same thing. But I digress. Anyway, pretty decent and emotional story about FMC's rebirth and different choices made. At least it has some stakes and you see it unfold.

- Mary Psycho, I think that's the title. Pretty crazy story, which led me to consider others, which depicts an FMC who figures while she was blinded with medicine, she has no idea who was the man she considered her husband and why he did what he did. She goes on fully throwing her good wife persona and her screws get loose, so she was never completely healthy mentally and her goal is to find the man who pretended to be her husband.

- It's my first time being loved. Omg this is kinda heartwarming. I did not read much, but it was lovely and the art as well. Story about a girl who was reborn a 100 times and every life she must have sacrificed herself and never had a decent life. But now she has a loving family. FMC is still a baby when the story begins, so her expressions are priceless.

DRAMA

Agatha Chritie's SEVEN DIALS

Adaptation? I want to watch it since I love all the mystery stuff. But it's Netflix.... says it all. It can end up being simply bad / boring. But I want to give it a try regardless. After all it's a mini-series and has some good actors in it.

ANIME

Ooh~ I have a lot more things I want to check out compared to previous years combined. This Winter season basically only started with just few episodes out. So it's more like "I'm checking these out" if it's not a series I watched previously and am simply continuing like

Sousou no Frieren. Season 2.

Excuse me, but favorite anime. Fell in love with it. It has such an interesting atmosphere about it.

Jujutsu Kaisen Shimetsu Kaiyu Zenpen (which season is this again)

Well, I'm watching anyway. I don't know how it happened that I was impressed by season 1 and when it came to Shibuya incident it was okay, still had wow moments, but in general felt shallow?

Jigokuraku

Want to try it out. I think I saw some opening sequence? I have a feeling I did and was impressed. You know Tumblr is always ready to present you few gifs that will tickle your interest

Seihantai na Kimi to Boku

Unlikely choice, watched some introduction into the story on YT shorts, will try it out and see if it's good. Because YT shorts can just use all the best parts and sell it to me, but it might end up not being a good anime. How is it that in every anime the male character is a nerdy boy that looks like everyone else ahaha

Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki

Choice was simple, I think I also saw the introduction, but also have you seen the poster? It kinda hooked me up. Like what is going on, right? My boy, are you flirting, are you trying to start something? I want to know.

Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai

We're supporting BL in this house, will check this out as well. More and more BL works started to appear and they are openly BL and BL can also be good and compelling.

Like what is this, why is there some nerdy glasses and a dashing looking black cloak that look good together, stop it. I hope it's a real anime, otherwise I'll be pissed. You know how sometimes they put a full-blown anime poster but the story is basically animated cutouts or something of that sort.

Last but not least

HANA KIMI ANIME WTF

lol I saw the manga years ago, somewhere I might even have exclusive wallpapers the author posted on her web page. Later I watched the drama. But anime version? How many years ago this was published? It was one of the first mangas where a girl dressed as a boy in manga. Which started the whole gender bender thing. Also I wonder if they will make sensei gay or they will play it safe like in drama (they changed the photographer's gender to female in the drama, while the manga was so gay~). So I'm watching, even if I saw this story several times already.

Makes me remember that it got adopted and other countries get their own version and basically there were one or two other popular dramas that had the same vibe of gender-bender and girl pretending to be a boy.

Right now it looks quite silly, let's admit it, that no one noticed the girl was there, otherwise she needs to be an androginous icon.

[NOVEL] A Deadly Affair by Carla Simpson

Care to expmail why the main character is described as dark-haired but what I see on the cover is red hair ahaha. It's not the only question I had after reading.

London 1889 — Murder, mystery, and two people in a most unlikely partnership.

She's an unconventional lady who has traveled the world, practices the art of self defense most excellently, and has an interesting tattoo in, ahem... a very unusual place.

He's a former member of the Metropolitan Police, now a private investigator, who grew up on the poverty ridden streets of Edinburgh and has worked the dangerous back alleys of London's notorious East End.

A vicious murder brings them together in a race against time that takes them from the sordid back streets of London into the elite private clubs of the powerful and rich, to find the killer before he strikes again and prevent a deadly scheme.

A scandalous affair, deceptions, and secrets will challenge what they know and what they believe.

Come along as the lady and the detective join forces in an amazing time of new inventions, startling discoveries, and unexpected revelations, where a young woman who doesn't rely on anyone is forced to trust the irascible Scot who is a tough as they come and just might learn a thing or two from her... if they both don't end up dead!

Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery. Book 1

The book is mid. The one redeeming quality I can mention is that it's easy to read. But I wonder if those grammar errors and typoes are only my thing.

I certainly would not lash out at it like some reviewers, because some of their arguments are basically pretty common things that we come across and it's a matter of preference.

Point main to make - never wait for hystorical accuracy from such books. It reads more like a antasy of authors decided to have and it's a pretty common trait among books that should be set in historical settings.

Now onto personal evaluation.

For me this book suffered the most because it used 1st person POV, we are in Mikaela's head and I'm pretty sure we don't need that. The girl has a bit of main character syndrome and is not bothered by the dangers she may find herself involved in. She is also a bit too headstrong. I think according to plot she had all the right to be so, but author did not dig deeper into it for me. Many pointed out that she tried to make herself useful and prove herself for this investigation, but I think that if we heard more about her and her sister's relationship as a reason, maybe it's give us a different impression. At times I forgot that the reason they're doing this is the fact her sister disappeared. And it's the start of this investigation.

because we're in her head we hear a lot of bits and pieces about her adventures, how she traveled the world and saw many things and also explored some that are considered forbidden or inappropriate for women. The society Mikaela lives in is very forgiving to women I guess, because otherwise she would be riddled with scandal, since her writing endeavors are like an open secret anyway.

I don't know, maybe if she was described as some sort of novelty or interesting entity others find fascinating it would redeem the situation, but for this we need author's voice.

Also we find how many skills she picked up during her travels. I really wish this was in 3rd person POV, because she could have just mentioned in passing as understatement her achievements in protecting herself, instead it sounded like she showed off. I'll be honest I would have been more impressed if she was described as some enigma instead of all the info. Ironic is how Angus said in the novel - it's what they didn't say. Author should take advice from their own character I think.

It's not the first person in historical settings that I find picking up eastern martial arts and I see nothing bad about it, but there's a difference in how you present readers with the information.

I would find it funnier if she would say that she tried cigarettes and whiskey and did not find them appealing ahaha instead she smokes and drinks a lot I think.

Yeah so she was too headstrong and too impulsive, sometimes not in a good way. It felt like she can't rely on others. Well, she admitted it, which was good.

As for Angus Brodie, he is interesting and I'd like to know more about him and his past, but again 1st person POV won't allow some subtlety unless they speak it out.

Unlike others I wasn't mad how Mikaela said too many times that he was a Scot. Because in life I had similar situation when you don't know how to describe a person but they're typical.

But my main thing would be two "plot holes" or how you should call them, for this I need to dive into spoilers.

So the story starts when the sister is missing but we find her maid dead, framed as other murders. Mikaela wants to find her sister Lenore or Lennie, while Lenore's husband does not seem as agitated as her because his wife went missing. For this their influential Aunt Antonia offers a person she thinks is perfect for the job. Private investigater Angus Brodie and Mikaela start their investigation by collecting info. Mikaela tried very hard to insert herself basically everywhere she could. But honestly sometimes she was damn impulsive.

They come into contanct with a person who found the maid, but the person was obviously lying. How convenient that the maid had a resudue under her nail, I wonder if chemical analysis existed in 1889 I have no idea. Anyway they figure she had some chemicals that are not common. Most "recent" would be connected to explosion incident. How two come together and why her sister?

So it happens they find ties to some anarchist group. One of theirs is a woman named Marie, who became involved with Lennie's husband (not really explained or had a deeper dive). Marie and another man deemed to be dangerous, but Mikaela heard their names when visiting a private theater performance by her dear friend (and actress, Mikaela knows everyone) in front of Prince of Wales and also, Lennie's husband. Suspicious.

During the performance tey tried to abduct the Prince, but Mikaela intervened, but was shot in the process. Which is the root of loopholes I think about.

Just a day or so later when they figured where the two escapees went, they gathered forces to arrest them, but Mikaela figured there is no time since she realized there will be something connected to gas, royal family and that radical group. 

Because there was no one around she brought it upon herself to go there and interfere with the plans.

There is not much said about the final scene, I wonder if it ever was important how shallow it looked, but during the Crystal Palace event when things solved pretty quickly, with few apprehended, including Marie (who Mikaela shot dead actually you go girl).

In their lair they found Lennie, who was still alive.

So here are the loopholes, why did they try to kidnap the Prince, if they had grand plan for he Crystal palace poisoning with gas?

And why Lennie was still alive when they had no need for her (don't get me wrong, but they sprinkled London with dead bodies and they didn' use her life to blackmail her husband, though it looked so at first). So Deadly Affair is about her husband getting into contact with wrong people, but this part did not get enough attention and was quite shallow.

Lennie was saved, Mikaela Frenched Brodie as a parting gift and everything was solved nicely.

But unfortunately mostly the book reads as quite shallow. Like who are these forces, will they ever appear again, should we even care?

Mikaela often did some impulsive things (most of the time) and did not think about anything at all, but there was not enough emphasis to me to why she did so. Yeah she mentioned how their parents were dead too many times, but it just wasn't enough for me. Although one could applaude for her bravery to rescue her sister no matter what.

Anyway, pretty filler story. I admit again that this read very fast. But still I think it was not without troubles. The only good hook that I might continue (not sure) is that the second book is about the actress, which was quite a character and the way it was described that she is accused in murder, but the only thing left of the gentlemen is the foot. I laughed, read as black humor to me.

RATE: 3/5.

[NOVEL] Arrow of Fortune by Jacquelyn Benson

A well-behaved lady historian ought to avoid haunted Indian forests… not plunge into them seeking an invincible weapon of the gods.

Ellie Mallory didn’t exactly volunteer to prevent the most dangerous artifact of the Ramayana from falling into the wrong hands—but if one has been coerced into an adventure, the least one can do is bring along a few friends.

Constance Tyrrell has new daggers stuffed in her garters, a thirst to discover everything India has to offer… and absolutely no interest in Dr. Neil Fairfax, Ellie’s scholarly stepbrother. Meanwhile, Neil finds himself wrangling a magical sword along with his increasingly tangled feelings about a certain doe-eyed danger gnome.

Then there’s Adam Bates—handy with a machete, perpetually shirtless, and about to face some unsettling ghosts of his past.

Together, they must follow the footsteps of an ancient hero from the festivals of Puri to the shadowy depths of a legendary forest, racing a brutal colonial administrator with allies of his own—including the complicated and mysterious Mr. Jacobs.

It will take all Ellie’s resources—from a working knowledge of practical chemistry to a highly excitable dog—to beat a new sort of demon to the place where a holy power has lain hidden for two thousand years… alongside the secret history of the woman at the heart of India’s greatest story.

Raiders of the Arcana. Book 3

If I were you I wouldn't read the summary and just dive into it.

Since it's already book three I have things I personally liked and things I would leave out or solve them.

First of all, it still reads like a movie with our foes suddenly appearing, ambushing our main characters. We have a balance between some actions scenes and the time off.

The story follows our characters to India in the search of a precious artefact mentioned in Ramayana - the arrow. You get a bit of everything, like history and myths. The truth is interspersed with theories and fantasy. But because it's an adventure-like story it won't dwell on some topics, since they're not the focal point of the story. But there is enough to get yourself a picture and put the pieces together.

On the other hand we have a new villain in the face of Colonel Borthwick, a sadistic fellow who loves to use his whip once too often, Superintendant with too much power and a great deal of disregard for lives he deemed unworthy.

We also have a lot more of Mr. Jacobs (who became my new favorite character to be honest).

Trudge through jungle, ambushes, chases and a lush atmosphere.

What I liked is that it still is a nice adventure with a lot of movie-like scenes. We have a bit of everything. But it's funny how it escapes me completely where the dog came from. Kalb is the new addition to Adam and Ellie, but I have a feeling there was no dog by the end of the book and I might be completely wrong anyway. 

Although quite a bit of this story is based on - well, that was convenient - but I still think it was tied together quite nicely, so actions and consequences followed in a good order.

We have a lot more told about Adam and through his lense we can also judge a different side of the coin, how wrong he feels about the whole situation in India and other similar places. That it made him sick. But it also served as a foreground to mention his father again, that something will be connected to his story too (like the next book).

I had a lot more of Mr Jacobs who reads as a man of steel, honestly he is not a good person, but he is fascinating. We finally get to know the bits of story about him, his goal and where he might go from here. I think author handled it better since she did not dive into it, but gave the reader crumbs that are more fun to explore instead of given the entire backstory.

I really loved the connection between who he was for the Albion and hos his fate finally turned.

My only true critique would be about lust/love parts, like the relationship between Adam and Ellie and their decision on who they want to be with each other and in the face of the public.

For Contsance and Neil it was far easier, they sudden;y saw each other in new light and passion sparked. Although I still had times when I thought to myself - time and place people, you're in danger. Are you so hot and bothered because you don't want to die a virgin or what?

Anyway, they were quite nice together anyway, had problems, dealt with them, in this way their way of treating their relationship felt more efficient than what continued between Adam and Ellie.

The thing I'm more irritated about is how they couldn't decide what to do with themselves, because Ellie did not present any argumentation what would be wrong if she actually married Adam.

I know about her principles and rights are very important for Ellie, but she did not mention any alternative to what might happen if they marry. She won't be able to support suffrage? I'm sure Adam will support her in any of her endeavors, because he loves her so much. He even eventually agreed to the pretend marriage.

Ellie mentioned the attitude of others many times, but Jacquelyn never showed any scorn from outsiders, they haven't faced any consequences so far (it was understandable no one saw them in the jungle, but when it came to Egypt they did not spend much time among people), even if they obviously sneak around doing naughty stuff. So this created the imbalance for me. Since sometimes relationship is still a compromise and you don't always choose "I" but also can choose "we".

I still found it greatly satisfying read when I exclude those things that did not fit me. But it's my own preferences. I still find the story entertaining and engaging.

Will see you in Korea in the next book.

RATE: 4/5.

[Chinese BL novel] 恋爱脑重生日常 by 焦糖冬瓜 / Daily life of a reborn love brain

This was an unexpected find. It happened to be quite lovely.

Summary: Jiang Ruotang spent his youth chasing one person he loved with all his heart, he supported his career and worked like a mule and a horse. But never got the recognition or love. Later realized that he was manipulated by his closest friend, who also helped to get an image of a disgusting stalker in the eyes of his beloved person, realized he helped the enemy of his father who dragged their family down. He was so naive and blind.

Those who he considered enemies were the once who stayed by his side till the last moment when illness tormented him, while those who he considered closest people manipulated his family to be destroyed.

But then Jiang Routang opened his eyes and realized he was reborn in the past, just few days before the last year of high school started, just before the person he supported with all his heart transferred to their school. Just before it was too late.

It was a pretty nice story. Although it involves 'revenge' part, but it's silent and lethal. A lot of this novel is spent on other things. Just like Jiang Ruotang himself wants to improve himself and be close to a person who practically saved his soul in his last life and became his true love. His main goal is not to be an ass and manipulated by his "best friend" Lin Lu. He was too naive before and took their friendship seriously, never suspecting that Lin Lu was manipulating him all along. This is why he became a thorn in the back of their restructured family and thought the new stepmother will cover their wealth. While the snake was whispering in his ears all along. His new stepmom and brother actually were the ones who cared for him when he fell gravely ill. Lin Lu and his father dragged Ruotang's father into quagmire and made him take the blame for money laundering, while their family lived happy and wealthy life. Bai Yingchuan always had the worst impression of Ruotang also thanks to Lin Lu's words. These were all his apst sins he admitted and wanted to change them now.

Lin Lu was not aware that Jiang Ruotang was slowly distancing himself and putting a barrier between them.

Bai Yingchuan thought that Lin Lu's words about Ruotangs fanatic love were true, but met with complete indifference.

Zhang mother and son were surprised to see Ruotang change his tune and slowly came tot erms that this previously willful boy was now very considerate and more mature.

Ruotang's dad wept tears of joy to see his son becoming sensible. Though partially his own naive nature influenced Ruotang the most.

As for the crush and relationship.

Lu Guifan (ML) is the class rep, he is rigid and aloof, but one day he finds that previously rumored love-brained Jiang Ruotang is not afraid to ask him questions and started to get close to him.

To Ruotang who now picked up his studies and took his art exams more seriously, something that he lost chance to do in his last life. To him Guifan was his emotional support.

Although the story has a part dedicated to Ruotang having successful investments and slowly digging the parts that made Lin Lu and his dad wealthy in his last life, basically cutting path to success, a lot of it is spent on just daily life, his interactions with others, his influence on people. Because like in every story he used his knowledge to save several people.

I think to me the most notable part was that author did not go with "oh, these people were bad in previous life, so we must avenge ourselves" rhethoric, but one character particularly had a change and Ruotang did not bear any grudge because he realized that his own actions were inappropriate.

Bai Yingchuan had the biggest change and the root cause started from the way Ruotang showed him freedom. While Ruotang of last life can be described as obsessive, but in this life he let go of his love completely. This indifference might have attracted Yingchuan at first but not completely. It's the slow realization that what Ruotang showed him was a well-thought career path, but Lin Lu and his father were after petty gains and sooner or later they will drain his popularity into nothingness and they won't stop there, being dragged into the scheme he won't have any chance but be manipulated by others into doing things he doesn't want. This was the final part that Ruotang lacked knowing before, he realized that Yingchuan's controlling mother worked together with Lin Chendong, he also realized that Mr Lin had some sort of leverage over her that did not allow her to escape his grasp. But now he realized that what destroyed his father in previous life was used on Yingchuan's mother as well. And she maybe started by believing hiw powress, but later was simply blackmailed.

I know that this part impacted me because it had different development from previous life and the fact that Ruotang did not chase simply everyone. He has distinction of right and wrong about others and about himself too.

So I very much recommend this one for a read when you want to have a good time, when the story is easy-going most of the time. Great relationships. Lots of lovely and good moments.

PS: it has tl

RATE: 4,25/5.

[MANHWA] You Think It's Easy Rewriting a Story? / 원작은 아무나 비트나 (2025)

Season 1. Based on a novel, also has alternative title, Anyone Beats the Original (title of the novel).

Reincarnation stories are all the rage these days, but I never thought I’d be the one getting reborn! But still, life as a rich man’s beautiful daughter is pretty sweet... except for one thing. No matter what I do, where I run, or who I romance, this novel is dead-set on getting me hitched to the handsome duke destined to kill me! There must be some way to change my fate, right? I won't go out like this!

I have no idea why the rates are so abismal on NU, this story in the form of manhwa is simply everything I search in the story. Great characters, slowly progressing plot that promises some twist, beautiful art. And COMEDY. Honestly, maybe the story may not seem like that, but the way it is drawn is simply HYSTERICAL.

FMC is a menace. She may be having the face of an angel (those who know load of villainess character have blonde hair will get PTSD from this), but she is so much more than just a pretty face.

In order to survive and change her fate FMC acted a bit unhinged at first, before she realized nothing changed her fate of marrying the villain. But later she realizes that there is more to the story and she.. actually joins her husband in his revenge.

Although he is a "villain" but he is such a sweet giant as well. He came to like this unusual woman who became his wife. She also came to love him.

The way they protect each other is everything.

It's also great that FMC befriended the original female protag. You know how often female characters are pitted against each other? Of course there is a fair share of those cannon fodder women here too, but when it comes to main characters it's not very often seen. It's a good trend that they get it done this way more and more.

Also it is obvious that something is brewing about the original male protag who is the crown prince. We do not like him in this house and he can piss off.

Although the stakes may seem high or low it is still very fun to explore the topic of fate or inevitability. Because FMC has no auxilary helping hand she has no idea if she changed anything or not. Something is definitely changing but is it enough? Will it work? Her choice changes with the flow of the story, which is a nice change of some set in stone path, like it often happen with majority of protags. 

Honestly, I was smitten by the story and the characters. Waiting for more.

[Chinese BL novel] 绿茶穿进虐文后[穿书] by 日光融融 / Green tea persona transmigrates into a tragic novel

I say green tea persona, because it's a BL story after all and the "green tea" girl is a boy.

Also at the moment of me typing this, this story is fully available on JJ for free, but I bet it won't be long before it'll be locked after it's completion.

Another point is the novel is officially not over, but we're moving towards it and basically overcame all the main points of the story.

(I am aware that the cover title and final title don't match, that's obviously because it changed along the way and I saved the old one, the cover changed to default ugly one)

Summary: An Yu, successful in his career, but a lonely person in life transmigrates to become a tragic unloved son of the An family. He promises to avenge the original An Yu, one who loved his family but whose feelings were never resciprocated, who had no idea why his life was like this.

Forced to marry the Xing family in the plot, now An Yu uses this marriage to his advances. Because he knows the plot, he also knows the secrets, the only thing left is to play along and release a bit of the tea scent. After all he is the premium green tea.

#1vs1, smart protag, found family, wealthy families, a bit of entertainment, fast-paced story

The story basically covers how An Yu who transmigartes, follows along with some of the plot, but also changes his own fate and avenges the original An Yu. Since he knows the secrets of the An family and his own.

From "forced" marriage to a loving relationship, from being a no one to becoming the center of attention. Although he is green tea premium, it does not mean he is a hypocritical fellow like his brothers, especially original shou of the story - An Shi. He weaved the lie within a truth. And he is quite sincere towards people he cares about.

This is actually a very upbeat story that almost gallops through the main plot. I feel like no part of it used too much space, a lot of things were "solved" in just few chapters and each instance was treated the same way. This is why the story feels very fast-paced and easy to read (no angst).

For a change our main protagonist An Yu does not berates the original An Yu, I see it often when authors inadvertantly compares the OG characters to their protagonists as if there is a need to show who's better (especially how their protagonists are a hundred time better and won't do all those silly things), but An Yu totally realizes the inability of OG An Yu to act, that he was basically cornered and had no power over his situation. He was abused since childhood and thus developed a weak personality that could be pushed around, but because he believed in his family he did as he was told to, not realizing that it will lead him to his doom.

The story starts a bit before the forced marriage. An Yu plays along at first, getting more and more out of An family. Not to mention some of it is a payback, while the An family can't do anything to him. Because original An Yu was framed for stealing the marriage, this time An Yu did not bother to clear things up even if he had proof, because he never planned to stick around.

Xing Zhan, ML, at first did not like An Yu and had the worst impression of him, but he was a person of dignity and did not make a scene at their marriage, later due to An Yu's influence of the tea persona he slowly figured out some inner workings of the An family and how An Yu was treated (I mean, the guy was basically malnourished, which was claimed to be "for his own good", he was treated so poorly to make him go through hardships and understand how those below him live, when he lived below the lowest point), so even if An Yu "stole" the marriage, Xing Zhan forgave him for it while finding that it was justified.

The marriage was actually for Xing Zhan to make his sick grandfather not worry about Xing Zhan leading a lonely life, so he chose An Shi from the An family, he didn't really care who, it was Mrs Xing's decision. An Shi had a perfect image on the outside, but others did not know how fake it was. Like Xing mother saw him saving a kitten (if I'm not wrong), but she did not know An Shi abused the kitten and it was An Yu who saved it. Xing Zhan thought it was strange, but he saw the cat, cat was basically skin and bones and you mean to tell An Shi cared for it while boasting that An Yu stole it. An Yu was also skin and bones, his health was quite poor, this is what made Xing Zhan think twice. Thank Gd ML is not oblivious type. Like what son of a wealthy family is malnourished? And some other details that played in An Yu's favor also became a part of his ever-changing opinion.

But nothing stays secret. Xing family soon found out about the stolen marriage. Once again, An Yu followed along with all demands, all prenuptial agreements, private agreements with the family and even Xing Zhan's friend. Because he knew he never planned to stick around when the marriage will end. He planned to take compensation and do his own thing. The Xing family was disappointed at first knowing the "truth". But with time their perception of An Yu changed and they still liked him, forgiving the incident and even regretting their rash decision. An Yu never really cared for the blame, because he totally could understand the idea of protecting your closest people from harm. If anything he envied Xing Zhan.

This story isn't about how An Yu is a total hypocrate and uses everything. It's more like truth weaved with a bit of lie as I said. Although he followed along for the health of Xing grandpa, he still liked the old man and cared for him with his heart, even when grandpa made him sign papers to leave Xing family with nothing. Mrs Xing also was baffled that An Yu "stole" the marriage, but later figured that An Yu wasn't like that and he even saved her life in the story.

But of course Xing Zhan is the one who came to regret his attitude the most. How could he have known that An Yu will become the love of his life? It's a bit cliche that he changed for An Yu, worked less, also became the second owner of the cat, cared for An Yu's health, even learned to cook.

Their quiet life made him feel home.

As for the An family, they slowly got their comeuppance. Even An Shi, whose image of the perfect boy was ruined (mainly by his own hands too). Maybe he was the type of assertive main character in the original story, but honestly the guy is rotten like his entire family.

The og plot described that An Shi pushed the marriage because he fell for another person. So not to seem scheming or ungrateful he derrived such a plot with his family. They also spread the word, which ruined An Yu's rep. But in this timeline An Yu befriended Zong Xiuyuan (og male lead) beforehand and they became close. Xiuyuan also was surprised to find that with time he felt how hypocritical and manipulative the moves of An Shi were.

Even the cat became the living proof of An Shi's hypocricy. After all he took it for Xiuyuan to seem benevolent, but never cared for the cat, only remembered when it was needed.

While og An Yu treated the cat like an only family and an emotional support.

The cat became like a mascot of the story, it doesn't play the biggest role, but some things came to light because of it. 

So main plotlines were dealing with the An family and development of feelings between An Yu and Xing Zhan.

In regards to their feelings, actually An Yu proposed to be more open about it, especially physically, which Xing Zhan refused (regretted it a hundred time later). But An Yu really did not want to stick around with this marriage, only because he did not want to be bound. In his previous life he saw too much in the entertainment world, where no relationship was pure love. It came to Xing Zhan to win An Yu slowly over again. And since they spent so much time together and truly became family, it was easier for him to accept Xing Zhan among anyone else.

Surely, the story is not over, but basically it dealt with everything it planned to deal at the beginning. I'm only waiting for the concusion.

It was one if not only novel that I was reading. I've been too much into manhwa lately.

RATE: 4,5/5.

[MANHWA] Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story / 흔한 빙의물인 줄 알았다 (2023)

Nothing is original.

Summary: Not all villains are evil. When Suna Choi reincarnates as Edith Rigelhof, the villain from her favorite novel, she is determined to change Edith’s life around and treats everyone with kindness. Although she marries the handsome Killian Rudwick, he is madly in love with the original protagonist of the book and mistrusts Edith because she is from a rival family. Will her marriage survive the whirlwind of family feuds, love triangles, and more? Will Edith find her happy ending?

I say nothing is original anymore, because it isn't. Although it says not your typical reincarnation story, but those who read many stories like that, they know damn well how unoriginal this is. If you new to the genre and this type of story though you may be surprised, but I may not want to introduce you to it through this story. Although it's relatively short.

My main problem was and stays with how plot forces FL stay oblivious. Any other person after a try or two would suspect characters the closest to the OG plot. But FL did not do it till the very end. She honestly believed in the good of people, but it felt silly of her to do so. The same was for some places that felt fakely dramatic, as if they were made to be drama for the sake of drama.

The rest of it was quite typical melodrama befitting this type of story. Character who have no idea that they're part of the plot and are tragically follow it as puppets. Slow realization of your past mistakes. Awakening of the characters. And Edith who has to endure it all knowing that people surrounding her are affected by the plot and she can't do anything about it.

Another problem with FL was she acting like a nympho at first... It was so odd.

Another critic is how the romance is handled... I still have no idea how why Killian started to feel that way about her. He was breaking off from the plot quite quickly, but in an awkward way. Of course it's good that he found her positive sides when she tried to defend herself. Same for Edith, she is attracted to his face before he does something that proves she can rely on him, which I find a tad bit shallow. But it also takes some time, since he is also under the influence of the plot. He often said things in an awful way, you wouldn't expect her to ever trust this guy.

The overall story is same old. Though author tried too hard to twist it a bit.

Spoilers of course~

The OG blonde girl. Not bothered to remember her name. Laughed hard how someone commented they're going to have PTSD when looking at blonde characters since they all are villainous. The OG blonde girl wanted to save OG Edith (feels so yuri) and OG Edith is awakened. At first we hear from Edith that she awakened ablity to call for "outside help" and she thought the author will have mercy, but the author is the one who brought mysery to all consequent Ediths. Time after time the story starts, author replaced the OG heroine and used everything to make Edith myserable. Edith died many times, each time it's a different girl from author's world (S.Korea). Now it's like 13th time and our new Edith. She is wary of the og plot events so she tries to avoid them, not realizing someone is setting her up all the time. They don't have enough proof, but Edith ends up with bad rep anyway.

There were three instances when author can place "conditions" that Edith must accomplish. Author thinks they're impossible but Edith manages to do them, even if she has no idea what they are. But with each condition met athor's authority is diminished and eliminated completely. Meaning more and more characters are awakened from the plot, unlike most important character who took time.

Although tormented by the plot Killian started to believe his wife more, especially when he realized that the ones winning from it are those he did not expect.

The author and the elder brother are found guilty of what they were doing behind the scenes. Their parents tried to fix it. And at this moment author left, meaning the OG heroine who started it all came back and lived later in monastery to atone for her sins and bringing up innocent lives to this world.

Author was sent back to her world. The eldest son being so obsessed with her followed in a while, but they of course did not have a great ending since conditions changed so much. From nobility to rundown house with a woman who does not resemble his lover and needing to learn and work.

Since the last Edith won the freedom for all previous people they chose to leave to another world. Edith stayed with Killian to enjoy her happy ending. 

Some say that beginning isn't the greatest but the rest of the story picks up. I'm not denying it. But I can't say it's that one great story.

I actually am impressed that it happened to be forgettable. Like only few days passed since I read it and a lot of details except the main points slipped from my memory. And that I was baffled by how FL was forced to be oblivious to who the culprit is...